Chemical Threat Medical Countermeasure Development

The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) has updated a funding mechanism for advanced development of chemical threat medical countermeasures.

This effort is part of a multi-year, multi-topic Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for the Advanced Research and Development of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Medical Countermeasures for BARDA.

Proposals are sought for medical countermeasures that treat the acute health effects of chemical threats, are easy to administer in a mass-casualty situation, and are rapidly effective as post-exposure therapies.

Candidates should have demonstrated in vivo activity and potential for efficacy; and have held a pre-IND meeting with the FDA for licensure as an MCM prior to the submission of a white paper to the BARDA BAA.

Specific areas of interest include:

Pulmonary Agents to prevent and treat lung damage resulting from exposure to agents such as

chlorine and phosgene.

Vesicants that limit harmful aspects of exposure to vesicating agents such as sulfur mustard and Lewisite.

Blood/Metabolic Agents to treat acute poisoning from agents such as cyanides. Antidotes should be easily administered by first responders in personal protective equipment.

Nerve Agents and OP Pesticides: Development of MCMs to treat seizures that are refractory to treatment with benzodiazepines.

Novel MCM Delivery Mechanisms

BARDA notes that preference will be given to drug candidates that are already approved or are in clinical development for a conventional indication similar to that arising from exposure to a chemical agent.